Page 28 of My Destiny

“Let me cook for you.”

“Deal. You can cook, right?”

“I’m okay,” she says, shrugging. But the humour I hear in her voice tells me she can.

Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my wallet. “Here’s my card. Call me and we’ll make plans.” My hand pauses mid-air. “I can trust you’ll actually use it this time?”

“Cross my heart.” I’m grinning like a fool when she does that. Does she have any idea how adorable she is? My eyes are glued to the business card, as she slides it into her bra. I find myself suddenly envious of that tiny piece of cardboard. “Have a nice day, Mr.… I mean, Logan.”

“You too, Brooke.”

With that, she turns and jogs away. I stand fixed to the spot until she rounds the corner and disappears, but unlike the time she left me at the hospital, I’m not overcome with sadness—I’m filled with hope.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Brooke

I’m in two minds as I jog away. I barely know the man, and yet I just invited him to my place for dinner. But he did save my life, and I’d hoped to get a chance to repay him for his kindness one day. He’s given me no reason to believe he’ll be anything but a gentleman.

The last thing I’m looking for is a relationship. I’m enjoying finding myself again, and although it’s lonely at times, I’m happy with my new life. Well, if I disregard the events of last night and this morning, I am. That part worries me.

There’s no denying Logan is gorgeous—it should be a crime to be that good-looking—and from what I know of him, he’s kind and considerate, but I can’t dismiss his occupation. I’ve had more than my fill of lawyers behaving badly—both my father and Jake—and from the moment I walked away from my husband, I swore he’d be my last.

I could always throw away his business card and avoid running in this area, but that would be rude. He could’ve ignored what was going on with me that night back in Melbourne, and if he had, chances are I would’ve bled out on the sidewalk. What can one dinner hurt? I’ll just feed him, then send him on his way.

Once I arrive back home, I shower and change into my dance gear before scoffing down some breakfast. I have two classes to teach this morning.

I pull out my phone as I take a seat at the bus stop and search for locksmiths in the area. I’ll feel safer if I upgrade the locks on the windows and doors. I can’t really afford it, but I can’t put a price on my safety. Maybe the landlord will reimburse me for some of it.

I have back-to-back piano lessons this afternoon and another shift at the restaurant tonight, so at least the money is still coming in.

I pace back and forth in my front room after my last student leaves. Hot Stuff’s business card is clutched in my hand, and butterflies are fluttering in my stomach as I psych myself up to call him.

My hands shake as I dial his number. Pausing, I take a deep breath. This is ridiculous. Why does this man have me tied up in knots?

Rethinking things, I decide to text him instead. I’m liable to say something to humiliate myself if we have a phone conversation.

Hi, it’s Brooke. I have to work tonight, but I am free tomorrow night if you would like to come over for dinner. Say about 7? If this doesn’t suit you, let me know.

I feel instant relief once I press send. Staring down at my phone, I berate myself.That wasn’t so hard.But when my phone starts ringing seconds later, I jump.

“Hello.”

“Brooke, it’s Logan.”Oh god.

“Hey.” Not the greatest reply, but it’s the best I’ve got.

“How are you?”

“Good.” I draw the corner of my lip into my mouth and bite down on it.

“I’m happy to hear that.” There’s an awkward silence, and this is what I was afraid of. This is why I went with the text message; it was easier. “So, seven sounds good,” he finally says.

“Okay, great. Well I… umm… guess I’ll see you then.”

“I guess you will.”

The line goes quiet again, and now I’m regretting agreeing to this dinner thing. “Umm… bye.”